Description
Crispy Nashville hot mozzarella sticks are a delicious and spicy appetizer featuring gooey mozzarella cheese coated in a crunchy Nashville hot chicken seasoning-infused panko crust. Perfect for a flavorful snack or party treat, these sticks are fried to golden perfection and served with a drizzle of hot sauce and optional fresh parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into thick sticks
Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp Nashville hot chicken seasoning
Frying
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
Serving
- Hot sauce, to drizzle on top
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the mozzarella sticks: Cut the fresh mozzarella cheese into sticks about 1 inch wide and 3–4 inches long to ensure even cooking and perfect cheesy centers.
- Set up your coating station: Arrange three bowls – one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed evenly with Nashville hot chicken seasoning for that spicy kick.
- Coat the mozzarella sticks: Dredge each mozzarella stick first in the flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it completely in the seasoned panko mixture to create a thick, flavorful crust.
- Freeze the coated sticks: Place the coated mozzarella sticks in the freezer for about 30 minutes to solidify the coating and prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.
- Heat the oil: In a deep pot or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the oil is hot enough for quick, even frying.
- Fry the sticks: Fry the mozzarella sticks in small batches for 1–2 minutes per side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding to keep oil temperature consistent.
- Drain and serve: Use a slotted spoon to remove the sticks and drain them briefly on paper towels to remove excess oil. Drizzle hot sauce on top and garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Freezing the coated sticks is crucial to prevent the cheese from leaking out during frying.
- Use fresh mozzarella for the best gooey texture; low-moisture mozzarella will not melt as well.
- Adjust the amount of Nashville hot seasoning to control the spice level.
- Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Serve immediately for the best crispy texture and melty cheese center.
